Mangabeiras Park, BELO HORIZONTE (MG)

Belo Horizonte, capital of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais is flanked by a mountainous range in the south: Serra do Curral. The mountain peaks range from 1000 to 1350 meters high. More than a decade ago, mining activities took place. A deep crater, filled with water is a remainder of this era. In 1982, the Mangabeiras Park was created on the location of the former mine; landscape architect Robert Burle Marx – known for his contributions at Lagoa da Pampulha – designed the visitor’s area. The park has the size of almost 300 heactare hosts a surprising variety of local flora and fauna. For example, over 160 bird species are spotted there. A viewpoint has been constructed, from which (the southern part of) the city of Belo Horizonte can be observed.